Kirinyaga residents on high alert as vehicle theft cases shoot up

The latest incident occurred in Karaini village, where a Mazda CX-5 belonging to Kennedy Njiraini was completely dismantled by thieves. By the time the vehicle owner discovered the incident, the car had been stripped of nearly all its parts, leaving behind only the shell.

Njiraini said he was shocked by the incident and suspects he may have been drugged during the night, as neither he nor his dog detected any unusual activity.

“It’s true. They have left my vehicle like a shell after removing every part,” he said.

The theft has rattled residents and raised concerns about a possible emerging trend in the area.

Area Member of Parliament Joseph Gachoki Gitari expressed concern over the incidents, noting that the Karaini theft comes just days after another high-profile case.

“I couldn’t believe it when I saw the photos of Kennedy Njiraini’s vehicle,” he said. “This is the second incident after a Lexus vehicle worth about KSh35 million belonging to Rose Muriuki was stripped in a daring incident last week.”

In Muriuki’s case, she also alleged that she may have been drugged during the incident. Meanwhile, Njiraini reported that his CCTV camera had been vandalized before the thieves dismantled his vehicle.

The MP has urged residents to remain vigilant, particularly at night, and to work closely with security agencies.

“We have to help the police because this appears to be a new and worrying trend of vehicle theft,” he said.

Police in Kirinyaga County have confirmed that investigations are underway and that officers are pursuing leads to identify and arrest those responsible. Authorities have also appealed to residents to report any suspicious activity as security agencies intensify efforts to curb the crimes.